Uncommon Elements: An Overview of Rare Earth Minerals
As the world races towards carbon neutrality, securing reliable supplies of rare earth elements (REEs) becomes increasingly important. These essential materials are vital for a wide range of high-tech applications, from electric vehicles and wind turbines to consumer electronics and military equipment.
In the global REE market, China holds a near-monopoly, controlling approximately 60% of global mining, over 85-90% of processing, and more than 90% of permanent magnet production [1][2][3][4]. This dominance gives China significant geopolitical influence over critical global supply chains.
China's dominance extends beyond mere production. Chinese firms have pursued aggressive acquisitions worldwide, reinforcing their grip on global supply chains [1]. This strategic leverage allows China to use REEs as a tool in global trade and diplomacy. For example, disruptions in REE supply could potentially impact the production of electric vehicles, renewable energy installations, and military equipment.
In response, countries like the United States and other Western allies are striving to diversify their REE supply chains. The Mountain Pass mine in California has reopened as America's primary domestic source of REEs [5]. Australia's Mount Weld mine also produces significant amounts of REE concentrate.
However, diversification efforts face challenges. Developing countries with REE reserves, such as Russia, India, Brazil, Greenland, Canada, and Vietnam, have deposits under development, but their processing infrastructure lags behind mining capacity [2][3]. Developing a complete REE supply chain domestically is challenging due to insufficient technical expertise, underinvestment, environmental concerns, and the difficulty of replicating China's scale advantages and integrated supply chain [2][3].
Research into alternative materials may reduce dependence on certain REEs for specific applications. Additionally, efforts to develop "cleaner" extraction methods continue, including bioleaching and improved waste management techniques. The push for supply chain diversification will also continue, with the development of recycling technologies for "urban mining" from electronic waste creating secondary sources.
New discoveries, such as the Per Gejer deposit in Sweden, may help diversify supply in the future. However, it's important to note that the development of these resources will take time. In the meantime, nations dependent on REEs face strategic vulnerabilities, as the concentration of production and processing is in China.
Stricter environmental standards for mining and processing will affect production costs globally. These standards are necessary to protect local communities and ecosystems from the serious environmental problems associated with REE mining and processing.
In conclusion, the race for REE supply chain diversification is a critical element in economic and national security. As demand for REEs grows due to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy installations, it's likely that REE consumption will triple by 2035. Countries must continue to invest in strategic partnerships, government investment, research, and trade agreements to reduce their vulnerability to China's REE dominance.
References:
[1] "China's Rare Earth Dominance: Implications for Global Competition and U.S. National Security" - Congressional Research Service [2] "Rare Earth Elements: Critical Materials for Clean Energy Technologies" - U.S. Geological Survey [3] "Rare Earth Elements: Challenges and Opportunities for the U.S. Industry" - National Academies Press [4] "Rare Earth Elements: The New Global Battleground" - The Diplomat [5] "Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine Reopens as America's Primary Domestic Source of Critical Minerals" - U.S. Department of the Interior
- A growing emphasis on environmental science is essential as the world strives towards carbon neutrality, considering the severe environmental problems linked to rare earth element (REE) mining and processing.
- The finance sector plays a crucial role in the race for REE supply chain diversification, as countries invest heavily in strategic partnerships, government funding, research, and trade agreements.
- As the demand for REEs surges due to the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy installations, lifestyles across the globe will be impacted, potentially leading to a tripling of REE consumption by 2035.
- The advancements in technology, particularly in the areas of alternative materials, cleaner extraction methods, and recycling technologies, will significantly influence the environmental-science field, particularly in the context of minimizing dependence on REEs for various applications and reducing the impact of REE mining on the environment.
